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LOT 3398
Rare Presentation Exhibition Grade Mannlicher Model 1900 Semi-Automatic Pistol - Serial no. 248, 7.63 mm Mannlicher Auto cal., 5 1/2 inch solid rib bbl., blue/ casehardened finish, walnut grips. This is an exceptionally rare, early production Model 1900 Mannlicher semi-automatic presentation pistol that has been lavishly factory deep relief chisel engraved. There were approximately 250 Model 1900 Mannlicher pistols manufactured in total, with only a select few having been factory engraved for presentation. Differences seen on this scarce Model 1900 example as opposed to the Model 1901 Mannlicher pistols that preceded is the absence of a disassembly tab ahead of the trigger guard, and the presence of a left mounted hammer safety; of which the first approximately 50 Model 1900 examples did not have this safety. The 1900 Mannlicher pistol functions using blowback operation, fires the 7.63 mm Mannlicher automatic cartridge (similar to the 7.63 Mauser cartridge), houses an internal spring-loaded magazine with 8-round capacity that loads from the top via stripper clip using the clip guide located on top of the slide, and it has a two-piece barrel. At the time of its development,
this pistol was considered very innovative as well as strong and reliable; it fired a high velocity cartridge, making this a highly desirable and sought after weapon for any country. The pistol, as noted, has
been factory engraved on 75% of the metal surfaces. The
engraving is an early deep relief Germanic style that has been executed in a vine and floral pattern with a punch dot background. A factory inscription is
in three lines on the front of the grip strap and reads “RHEIN. MET. u. MASCH-FABR/ABTEILUNG/ SOMMERDA GEWEHRFABRIK”. A loose translation
is “Metalware and Machine Fabricating Department at Sommerda Rifle Factory”.
This pistol, bearing serial number 248, was very likely intended as a gift for presentation to a highly important individual and shows similar engraving patterns to another factory engraved example previously sold by Rock Island Auction Company (Auction 77, Lot 1682), bearing serial number 217, that was attributed as presented to the Sultan of Turkey some time in the 1901-1905 time frame. The Imperial German government and the Turkish Empire were very close allies during this time and sold thousands of rifles, pistols, cannons and various war material to each other. The barrel and lower frame have a rust blue finish, with the remainder of the frame and slide having
a casehardened factory finish. It has all matching visible serial numbers on various components including the underside
of both grip panels. The left of the barrel and slide are
both marked with small “crown/crown/U” proof marks.
It is fitted with a set of dark stained checkered walnut grips. This embellished pistol is accompanied by an
original copy of a war trophy capture document that lists captured enemy equipment belonging to a
Staff Sergeant W. D. Dailey that includes a telescope, binoculars and four pistols; with one of the pistols vaguely listed as “Pistol, Hand Made - Cal. 32 No serial number” which is possibly referring to this pistol although unconfirmed. Also includes a modern blue case with a blue felt lined interior.
CONDITION: Very fine, retains 95% original blue finish on the barrel and 40% original blue finish on the lower receiver group, with the balance of the pistol showing a silvered patina. The relief engraving remains sharp
and distinct overall. The grips are also very fine with some light handling marks, and defined checkering. Mechanically excellent. This
highly attractive, rare presentation grade Mannlicher Model
1900 pistol is a desirable addition to any
engraved firearms or early handgun
collection! Estimate: 18,000 - 27,500
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